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UNWANTED RADIATION EXPOSURE TO RADIOSENSITIVE ORGANS DURING HAND CT
Dae Jin Nam1, Sun Rock Moon2, Hong Je Kang1
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Wonkwang University Hospital, Iksan, Republic of Korea.
Radiation Protection Dosimetry
|March 14, 2022
Summary
Shielding significantly reduces radiation exposure to radiosensitive organs during hand computed tomography (CT) scans. This protective measure is crucial, especially for organs closer to the scan target, minimizing unwanted radiation dose.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Radiation Protection
Background:
- Computed tomography (CT) scans, including multi-detector CT (MDCT) and cone-beam CT (CBCT), are valuable diagnostic tools.
- However, CT imaging poses a risk of unwanted radiation exposure to radiosensitive organs, particularly during extremity scans like those of the hand.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate radiation exposure levels in radiosensitive organs during hand CT scans.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of shielding in reducing this radiation exposure.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study involving patients undergoing hand CT scans.
- Patients were randomized to receive or not receive a radiation shield.
- Two imaging modalities, MDCT and cone-beam CT (CBCT), were used.
- Radiation doses were measured using thermoluminescent dosemeter chips on radiosensitive organs.
Main Results:
- Shielding significantly decreased radiation doses: a mean reduction of 79% in the MDCT group and 88.6% in the CBCT group.
- In non-shielded patients, radiation dose increased with proximity to the target area.
- The effectiveness of shielding was more pronounced for organs closer to the target point.
Conclusions:
- Radiation shielding is highly effective in reducing unwanted radiation exposure to radiosensitive organs during hand CT scans.
- Optimizing patient positioning to maximize distance between radiosensitive organs and the target area is recommended.
- Shielding is particularly important for radiosensitive organs located near the target area during CT imaging.
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